Security officers who patrol the area of government-subsidized housing projects reported hearing eight to 10 gunshots, rushed to the location and stopped several men. But no one has been arrested.

McFarland was shot about 25 feet from where a group had assembled for a barbecue in honor of Sir Marcus Bibbs, 21, who was gunned down Nov. 2, 2007, near where he lived on Garlington Court, authorities said.

Thursday's gathering took place on what would have been Bibbs' 24th birthday. His killing remains unsolved.

"It's sad that more violence had to carry over to a memorial for another murder victim," said Lt. Mike Stasko, head of the police homicide detail.

McFarland was not a gang member, Stasko said, and his killing is not believed to be gang-related. However, he apparently showed up drunk at the memorial barbecue, and he may have been involved in a dispute before the shooting, investigators say.

Police said the killer is believed to be an African American man, 5-foot-6, who was wearing a watch cap, black sweatshirt, black pants and black shoes. Security officers saw him running from the area but were unable to find him.

Records show that McFarland was released from jail about a month ago, had an extensive criminal history and had been subject to a restraining order imposed last year, directing him to stay away from the city's public housing projects.

He was on parole for robbery and had numerous arrests for crimes including drugs, child abuse, domestic violence, weapons possession, and being a felon in possession of body armor.